Othello Act Two

Act Two Scene I: Key Points A terrible storm rages on the island of Cyprus. Cassio arrives with the news that Turkish fleet has been destroyed by the tempest. Othello finally appears and is overjoyed to be reunited with Desdemona. Iago persuades Roderigo that Cassio and Desdemona are in love, convincing him to assist in a plan to undo Cassio. While Cassio stands guard that night Roderigo will insult the quick-tempered Roderigo, provoking him to leave his post. Iago will use this slip-up to have Cassio stripped of his lieutenantship.

Iago Sense of Superiority: A Brilliant Actor: He is incredibly confident that he can ‘ensnare’ Cassio and manipulate Othello’s mental state. He is also sure he can ensure the local people demand Cassio’s removal. A Brilliant Actor: No one suspects what Iago is up to or has realised his malicious nature. He is repeatedly referred to as ‘good’. Iago Lack of Values: No respect for the idea of love and sees women as untrustworthy and promiscuous. An Expert Schemer: He convinces Roderigo that Cassio and Desdemona are in love. He manipulates Roderigo into insulting Cassio that night.

Othello’s decent nature: His love for Desdemona: Othello as a soldier: He is referred to as ‘the warlike Moor’, a fierce warrior and a gifted general. Othello Othello’s decent nature: Even Iago who hates the Moor has to admit he is ‘of a constant, loving, noble nature’. Othello shows himself to be a sweet and gentle husband to Desdemona. His love for Desdemona: He is overwhelmed with relief and joy to see she has arrived safely. He describes that the happiness she brings him is too great for words.

Desdemona Great Beauty: Love for Othello: Othello loves her deeply Roderigo is obsessed with her. Iago lusts after her. Cassio may be in love with her also. Love for Othello: The first thing she does on arrival is ask for him. She waits nervously for news of his safety. She is overjoyed when he finally arrives.

Yet, he has a darker side: a very quick temper when angry. Noble Background: He is a man of ‘breeding’ and has been brought up to treat women in an extremely polite and chivalrous manner. This is clear in his treatment of Desdemona and Emilia. Respect for Othello: He has enormous respect for Othello and praises the Cyprians because they ‘approve the Moor’. He prays that Othello will reach the island safely. Yet, he has a darker side: a very quick temper when angry. Cassio

Act Two Scene III: Key Points Othello leaves Cassio on guard. Though he is not a good drinker, Iago persuades Cassio to drink for a while. Made aggressive by alcohol, Cassio is easily provoked into attacking Roderigo, as per Iago’s plan. When Montano intervenes he attacks him as well. An enraged Othello arrives to investigate and fires Cassio on the spot. Iago persuades a devastated Cassio to go to Desdemona for help in getting his job back. Iago plans to convince Othello that Desdemona and Cassio are having an affair. He will convince Othello that Desdemona intercedes because she loves Cassio.

IAGO: EXCELLENT ACTOR/EXPERT SCHEMER He plays up to the role of being a simple, humble servant. This means he gets away with much more than if people realised he was clever and cunning. He acts as though he cares deeply for Cassio while simultaneously plotting his downfall. He brilliantly fakes reluctance to tell Othello that Cassio was responsible for starting the fight. Having caused the chaos, he then pretends to find it upsetting and shocking. When Othello arrives he continues to act appalled by the men’s behaviour. He is a master of persuasion, convincing Cassio to drink more against his better judgement. He also persuades Montano that Cassio has a serious drinking problem. He continues to manipulate the lovesick Roderigo, using him as a pawn in his various schemes. When Roderigo announces he wants to go home Iago convinces him to stay and have patience.

IAGO: WHAT IS HIS MOTIVATION? Though he has achieved one of his major goals – to destroy Cassio’s reputation and get him fired – Iago is anything but satisfied. He still intends to destroy Othello and Desdemona’s happiness and ruin Cassio even further. Will he then be satisfied? We are beginning to get the impression that this is a man without an absolutely clear goal. Iago seems to not simply be out for revenge. Rather, he appears to be someone driven by a desire to do evil, to push things as far as he can, whatever the consequences.

TALK ABOUT IT! Othello places a great deal of trust in Iago and thinks him a very reliable person. Do you think Iago has earned this trust through honest actions in the past or has he always hated Othello and only ever pretended to be loyal?

Othello Othello as a soldier: He is responsible and stern, placing a great value on discipline. Immediately stops the fight and fires Cassio. Othello Dignified and Proud We get our first glimpse of Othello’s tendency towards anger and rage. For the first time we see his trademark self-possession and calm start to slip. He reacts furiously to the brawl and while he contains his anger on this occasion he states that his passion and emotions almost get the better of his reason. This tendency to be guided by emotions rather than logic ultimately adds to the tragedy of the play.

CASSIO and ALCOHOL 1. Cassio is an extremely bad drunk. Alcohol makes him aggressive and irritable. 2. There is already a hint of aggression when he denies being drunk to Montano and the other gentlemen. 3. He is easily provoked into attacking Roderigo, abandoning his post to chase him and then attacking Montano. 4. Alcohol is at least in part responsible for his inability to speak after the brawl or remember how the fight began.

TALK ABOUT IT! Iago tells Montano that Cassi is an alcoholic. Do you think there is perhaps some truth to this?